Would Academic Scores Define Her Life?

By Abhishek Haridasan

The National Science and Literature Educational Council

The report card felt heavier than it was.

Mira sat on the edge of her bed, her school bag still on her shoulders, her eyes fixed on the smudged ink that spelt out numbers she couldn’t believe belonged to her.

58 in Mathematics. 61 in Physics.

Was her dream of becoming an astrophysicist now burned to ashes? Would any college consider these marks for an entry into the bachelor’s program? Did she ruin the only opportunity she had to make it big?

Mira had pinned her hopes on her examination marks to enter a physics course which would put her on course to great things. Her Mom had worked tirelessly to ensure she had everything to make her report card a passport to success.

She shuddered to inform her mother about this. Confronting her wouldn’t be easy, but she had to do it. Mira took her first step towards meeting his mother in the kitchen, who was eagerly preparing malpua to celebrate her passing the examinations. To her surprise, Mira’s mother saw her face and embraced her tightly. Mira couldn’t react, yet went about telling her the final result.

“Apply for a re-evaluation. I’ll give you the money. And, don’t worry. This will not affect your admission anywhere. Your mother will make it happen!”

Mira’s eyes welled up, and she couldn’t believe how confident her Mother sounded. She dropped herself to her Mother’s feet and asked for forgiveness.

“Don’t worry Mira Beti. I know the efforts you have put in. Everything will work out well. Trust Devi Maa, and keep working hard.”

Suddenly Mira felt relieved, for she knew that her Mother would always back her, come what may! The next few days went into executing the re-evaluation process and reviewing the various colleagues available.

Mira learned something extremely valuable about her Mother that day. She realised that transparency and honesty with her Mother could help her maintain a healthy relationship with her Mother. She promised herself to pick the right way, always, and never hesitate in speaking to her Mother ever. In a matter of days, Mira had grown into an adult, knowing that she had a divine Mother by her side. She looked up into the heavens and prayed to Devi Maa, thanking her for giving such an understanding parent.

The world is kind; Mira’s life will move on from one strategic level to another.